Aviva upgrades large case underwriting

Aviva has overhauled its approach to large case underwriting, to make the process quicker and easier.

Advisers can now provide financial underwriting information over the phone for life cases up to £3 million and for critical illness cases up to £750k, reducing the need to complete forms manually.

Aviva has also increased the limits at which it needs information beyond a financial questionnaire, while simplifying the process when extra supporting evidence is required.

For life cases over £1m and up to £3m, only a financial questionnaire is called for, applications above £3m no longer need to be countersigned, applicants will be asked to provide evidence such as a P60 or loan letter.

The insurer has also raised non-medical limits for life and critical illness cover across a range of age and sums assured.

Robert Morrison, chief underwriter for Aviva said: "Large case underwriting is - by its nature - more involved than insuring smaller sums, so we're keen to make the process as streamlined as possible.

"These changes will help to make large case underwriting quicker, smoother and simpler for advisers, while enabling underwriters to make quicker decisions.

"This is of course good news for the end customer too, so ultimately means a swifter service all round."